Whether for heating, grilling, or camping, propane and butane gas tanks are a handy source for portable flame and fire. However, once these products expire (and they do) or you no longer need them, how do you dispose of these obviously hazardous household products? What should you do if a gas tank is deteriorated and can no longer be returned to a retail outlet? Learn your options and tips for keeping your home safe while using these types of household products.
Hazards
- Tanks containing fuel under pressure may explode if tank integrity is altered, causing severe injury or death.
- Propane and butane gases are toxic. If gas builds up in an area, ventilate and leave the space until it clears.
- Tanks containing compressed gas may explode in waste-to-energy facilities or in garbage truck compaction.
Handling
- Store in a cool, dry place without exposure to direct sunlight or near sources of flames or sparks. This will avoid dangerous temperatures and ignition risks for house fires.
- Do not attempt to remove the valve from the tank. Special safety equipment is required to prevent explosions.
- Tanks in good condition with old fittings may be reused with an adapter purchased at most propane gas dealers.
- Use up all residual gas for non-refillable (disposable) tanks.
- Do not leave the valve open because escaping gas is a fire hazard as well as a source of air pollution.
Management Options
- Do not dispose of tanks containing gas in the trash.
- Many retail dealers, such as AmeriGas and Blue Rhino, take back five-pound steel propane tanks, usually at no charge. Camping retailers may take back smaller propane and butane tanks.
- If your tank has deteriorated, you may have other options below. To learn more about dealing with these types of containers, see our blog, Dealing with Deteriorating Hazardous Containers at Home.
- Take it to a municipal collection program, if available, or save it for a household hazardous waste collection event, if offered. Most collection days will only accept tanks 20 lbs. or less.
- Check an online search engine such as Google or Bing for a company that will accept tanks for reuse.
- Scrap metal yards may also accept empty tanks.
- Very small EMPTY disposable tanks (1 liter) can be thrown in the trash. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for burning off or venting all remaining gas before throwing these tanks away.
- Bring to a Household Hazardous Products Collection Center.
This information was brought to you by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and NEDT. For more information, including links to their guides, visit our Fact Sheets & Links page, and make sure to check out our NEDT Blog and Household Hazardous Products Resources for more in-depth information.
